Introducing my new Para P14

Well, I am back into a 1911...again. I came upon this at a swap meet and made a fair trade I think.

It's a Para Ordnance P14. For those that aren't familiar, it's a double stack frame 1911 that holds 14 rounds. I took it to the range the same day I acquired it and ran some mags through- 100% function. It has an aluminum alloy frame. I'm not incredibly fond of aluminum frames on a 1911, but it's been done enough lately that I am becoming more "ok" with it. From what I have read, Para is good about customer service even with previously owned guns.

The sights aren't my favorite. They are simple three dot sights. They have been de-horned and I think the rounder profile makes slower to get on target. I think some Trijicon night sights would take care of that problem.

The grip safety could use a softer beaver-tail type safety. It bites me a bit. I think it's a bit more pronounced because of the larger grip.

I did have a small problem with the slide locking back. After you re-inserted a new magazine, you had to use the slide release- no pull and release on the slide. A bit of grease on the slide lock detent fixed that right up. It must have been a bit dry (1911s love lube).

I hate the grips. Yeah, they are functional, but I am used to 1911s with "work of art" quality grips. There is a set at Brownells for the P14 (they don't accept regular 1911 grips) that I am eyeballing.

Here is what I love about the Paras:
For everyone that has ever cussed the throat and frame ramp of a traditional 1911, there is a ramped barrel solution. I've tuned up so many 1911s in the past I swore them off. I know Para added the ramps to the barrel because an alloy frame doesn't work so well as a ramp. In the end, it was a real design improvement. There are purists that think there is no room for improvement, but one has to wonder why every subsequent pistol design John Browning ever came up with had a ramped barrel??

Anyways.... I think a few extra mags, beaver-tail safety, and night sights will be enough to get me started. I have contemplated it being a host for a suppressor......

"Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: [...] as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."Joshua 24:15

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"As a friend says, always reach first for the obvious answer in a puzzle. If you hear hoof-beats, think horses, not zebras."

I did carry a G30 for a long time before I gave it away. I only bring it up because it is perfectly possible to carry a double stack compact .45 IWB even in summer. It was a great little carry gun. The Warthog is similar in width at the grip.

Let us know how it goes.

"Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: [...] as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."Joshua 24:15

Click to expand...

"As a friend says, always reach first for the obvious answer in a puzzle. If you hear hoof-beats, think horses, not zebras."

Saw your post and had to jump on here to say that I have had that exact model since I purchased it new sometime in 1994/1995. It has been a fantastic weapon.

I like that the aluminum frame is light enough that it makes up for the extra ammo.

I have gotten to the point that I don't really have to think about it any more. It just seems to group itself. I've heard about quality issues over the years with Para-Ordinance but mine sure has been reliable and accurate.

Saw your post and had to jump on here to say that I have had that exact model since I purchased it new sometime in 1994/1995. It has been a fantastic weapon.

I like that the aluminum frame is light enough that it makes up for the extra ammo.

I have gotten to the point that I don't really have to think about it any more. It just seems to group itself. I've heard about quality issues over the years with Para-Ordinance but mine sure has been reliable and accurate.

Is that used? Sure looks in good shape for being 15 years old.

G

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Yep, it's used. I'd say it wasn't used much...... probably a better description is pre-owned. Good to know on the Q/C. I've heard some bad things about aluminum frames, but I think everyone makes one these days. I haven't shot for groups yet. If I can get some more ball loaded up this week, I think I will group it at 15 and 25 and see what it will do.

"Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: [...] as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."Joshua 24:15

Click to expand...

"As a friend says, always reach first for the obvious answer in a puzzle. If you hear hoof-beats, think horses, not zebras."